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Aurora Value Words
• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous
• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive
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"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves."
Victor Hugo
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July is National Purposeful Parenting Month, a time dedicated to promoting active and engaged parenting to build strong families. It's a period focused on healthy communication, nurturing a child's growing independence, and strengthening parent-child relationships. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated July as Purposeful Parenting Month to encourage families to reflect on their parenting styles and utilize resources to enhance their parenting skills.
Key aspects of Purposeful Parenting:
Active and Engaged Parenting: Purposeful parenting emphasizes being actively involved in a child's life, rather than just reacting to situations.
Building Strong Families: It aims to foster positive and functional family relationships through intentional parenting practices.
Meeting Children's Needs: This involves understanding and addressing a child's needs in age-appropriate ways.
Utilizing Resources: It encourages the use of available resources, such as parenting guides and support groups, to enhance parenting skills.
Focus on Communication: It highlights the importance of healthy communication between parents and children.
Encouraging Independence: Purposeful parenting also supports a child's growing independence.
How to participate in Purposeful Parenting Month:
Reflect on your parenting style: Consider your approach to parenting and identify areas where you might want to be more intentional.
Utilize resources: Explore resources like parenting guides, workshops, and support groups.
Engage in meaningful conversations: Spend quality time talking with your children about their day, their feelings, and their interests.
Practice active listening: Pay attention to what your children are saying, both verbally and nonverbally.
Be present and engaged: Put away distractions and focus on your children when you are with them.
Celebrate successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your children's accomplishments, no matter how small.
Parenting children at any age is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles many of us will ever have. Cheers to those of you who play that role for children of all ages!
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— featuring April Howe from op 107/La Crosse
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April's passion for caregiving started early. Growing up, her parents ran a group home, and holidays were often shared with residents who had nowhere else to go. She says that experience shaped her heart for service. Since February 2024, April has worked as a CLA. She describes the job as “soul food” and thrives in the unpredictable, fast-paced environment. “It gives me purpose,” she says. “I feel valued, wanted, and appreciated here more than I ever have at any other job.” With a background in the food industry, April loves cooking for the people she supports, blending her skills with her passion for supporting those she serves. You won’t regret it.” As an empty-nester, April finds joy and connection in her work. “It’s nice to be needed,” she says.
Her advice to anyone considering this work?
“Do it—and do it now. You won’t regret it.”
That feeling is mutual, April. Aurora is lucky to have you!
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Our BEST Employees for the month of June are Paige Tucker from Direct Support and Brianna Wyant from management!
Each winning employee will receive $150! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees from May 21st – June 20th:
Hannah Goss • Bruce Greenwood • Brianna Wyant • Katie Andresen •
Mikki Freeman • Jena Harrup • Samantha King • Mindy LeMere • Sandy Ming •
Lindsay Pittman • Paige Tucker
| | Recognize someone for being their best! | | |
Names were drawn from the pool of nominees who spoke with us about their employment experience at Aurora. Thanks to each of our nominees for the above and beyond work you do to support our consumers and clients! You are the BEST!
Send YOUR nominations to BESTEmployees@AuroraServices.com.
Nominated employees will remain eligible for the bonus drawing all year.
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Stay Cool and Healthy
Summer brings sunshine and fun, but it also comes with risks especially when temperatures climb. People of all ages, including those with disabilities, can be more sensitive to heat, making it essential to take proactive steps to stay safe and well. Here are important tips to help keep everyone cool, hydrated, and thriving this summer:
1. Stay Hydrated
Hydration isn't just a summer suggestion, it's a must. Encourage clients (and yourself!) to sip water consistently throughout the day. Keep an eye on caffeine and alcohol intake, which can increase dehydration.
2. Keep Meals Light and Fresh
Skip the stove and serve up cool, nourishing meals. Think fresh fruits, crisp veggies, and simple pasta salads. Bonus: ingredients like watermelon, cucumber, celery, and strawberries also boost hydration.
3. Use Sun Protection
Sunburn can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Apply sunscreen generously and often mineral-based options with zinc are ideal. Lightweight, light-colored clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and shade make a big difference too.
4. Bring Activities Indoors
Staying active is important year-round, but outdoor exercise can be risky in the heat. Try indoor alternatives like yoga, seated workouts, or even swimming at a local gym or pool.
5. Seek Out Air Conditioning
Fans alone won’t cut it on high-heat days. If your client doesn’t have AC at home, plan visits to libraries, community centers, or designated cooling spaces.
6. Practice Patience
Some individuals may not fully understand the risks of heat exposure, especially if they’re used to spending time outside. Approach conversations about summer safety with empathy and patience.
7. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, rapid pulse, or moist skin with goosebumps. If you notice any warning signs, contact your agency and seek medical attention right away.
8. Observe and Report Changes
Summer heat can impact people in subtle ways. Stay observant, report concerns early, and take advantage of tools like Care Insights to track changes in client behavior or condition.
9. Don’t Forget Yourself
Caregivers need care too. Rest, eat well, hydrate, and take time to recharge. Protecting your own health is part of providing quality support to others.
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We have Safety Winners for the month of June!
Congratulations to Stephanie Johnson - 052, and William Montgomery - 044!
These team members have demonstrated their commitment to safety and have
won a $100 bonus for having done so.
Keep working safely to be entered in next month’s drawing!
S.A.F.E. = Stop And Focus Entirely!!
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Phillip C. Andressohn
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Stevens Point
Why I applied for the job: I had prior experience and training.
What I will bring to the job: Integrity, Positive Attitude, Helpfulness, a lot of questions.
My background: I’ve done everything from care, car wash, retail, office, factory, more I’ve recently completed training for EMTB and Basic Fire Fighting and Hazmat.
Family: Mother, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Friends.
Hobbies/interests: Games, movies, shows, art, and writing.
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Brittany Boyce
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Program Assistant, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: Enjoy helping others and watching their success throughout daily tasks.
What I will bring to the job: Open communication within daily tasks. Great teamwork qualities.
My background: Resident Aid.
Family: Born and raised in Wausau my whole life, have a daughter who is 9 years old.
Hobbies/interests: Going for walks, watching movies and spending time at the pool and cabin.
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Nicole Hanken
Aurora Community Counseling
AODA Counselor, Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: I strongly believe in each person's ability to change the trajectory of their life, and I view it as a direct opportunity in supporting them to do so.
What I will bring to the job: Compassionate listening & validation, helpful/direct feedback and suggestions, trauma-informed and harm-reduction approach
My background: Adult CCS Service Facilitator at Eau Claire County and AODA Social Worker at Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility.
Family: 2 young children & one well-loved cat named Moppy!
Hobbies/interests: Hosting game nights, local recovery community events, coffee shops, self-improvement.
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Kurt Howell
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Program Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: Experience in care previously, and having a positive impact on my community.
What I will bring to the job: Positive work environment and hopefully new friends to be made.
My background: Former art teacher. I love reading, writing, video games, and all art forms.
Family: Lives in Waupaca, WI. Born in Racine, WI.
Hobbies/interests: Reading, writing, video games, art, and music.
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Carlie Parins-Renwick
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, La Crosse
Why I applied for the job: Always enjoyed working in group homes.
What I will bring to the job: Fun and positivity.
My background: Healthcare.
Family: 3 dogs, King, Lil bug, and Pebbles, and a twin brother.
Hobbies/interests: Hanging with my dog.
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Bridget Raushia
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I love helping others, was ready for a change.
What I will bring to the job: A positive attitude, hopefully a new friend to some.
My background: Was a hostess at Texas Roadhouse.
Hobbies/interests: I love to watch movies, hang out with friends, going shopping.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of July, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Deena Black – 33 years
Emily Mujwid – 26 years
Gao Vang – 2 years
Jeanne Martens – 10 years
Jennifer Harder – 4 years
Jessica Lyberg – 2 years
Jocelyn Holder – 5 years
Juan Gordillo – 18 years
Linda Amundson – 18 years
Lisa Schumacher – 6 years
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Anna Armstrong – 1 year
Ashton Mack – 4 years
Brenda Kannenberg – 3 years
Brian Bender – 6 years
Camie Teerink – 7 years
Daniel Deegan – 1 year
Dennis Rude – 9 years
Douglas Sessions – 27 years
Gina Martell – 13 years
Guadalupe Sault – 18 years
Isaac Rayfield – 1 year
Jeremy Nevin – 4 years
Jennifer Erickson – 1 year
Joseph Orler – 1 year
Justin Allen – 12 years
Katherine Andresen – 6 years
Ladiamon Riley – 1 year
Melissa Koncel – 2 years
Melisa Galligan – 6 years
Nancy Larson – 1 year
Nikeeta Quillman – 1 year
Noah Faught – 3 years
Olivia Stevens – 9 years
Philip Schlosser – 9 years
Rachel Johnson-Barton – 4 years
Renea Andreski – 4 years
Samantha Sordahl – 1 year
Sara Dorr – 10 years
Stacey Hamm – 3 years
Stephanie Johnson – 15 years
When we combine all of these years of service,
we get 307 YEARS! 307 years ago it was 1718. The United States didn’t even exist yet. Mozart wasn’t born for another 38 years.
Thank you for sharing your time, talents and wisdom with us!
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